M’hammed Kilito
M’hammed Kilito is an acclaimed documentary photographer and National Geographic Explorer based in Rabat, Morocco. Represented by VII Photo and Gowen Gallery, Kilito’s work explores people and communities’ profound connections with their environments, capturing narratives that delve into cultural identity, labor sociology, and climate change’s impact. His photography serves as a bridge, offering insights into how individuals relate to their surroundings, memories, and experiences of migration or transit.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Montreal and a Master’s degree from Ottawa University, Kilito brings a nuanced understanding of social and environmental issues to his visual storytelling. His artistry has been recognised globally, solidifying his reputation as one of Africa’s most insightful and thought-provoking photographers. He captures humanity’s most pressing challenges and triumphs by blending academic knowledge with a passion for visual narratives.
Kilito’s work has earned prestigious awards, such as the World Press Photo Foundation Prize, the Louis Roederer Prize for Sustainability, and the National Geographic Society Explorer Grant.
He won the Contemporary African Photography Prize and the Fondation des Treilles Photography Prize. In 2023, he was a finalist for the Leica Oskar Barnack Award and nominated for the esteemed Prix Pictet.
M’hammed Kilito’s photography has been featured in numerous international publications, including The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The British Journal of Photography, Vogue Italia, de Volkskrant, L’Express, Liberation, and El Pais.
These outlets have recognised his ability to present compelling visual stories illuminating African cultural identity, social dynamics, and environmental challenges.
Kilito’s work has been exhibited at prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, showcasing his profound visual storytelling. His photographs have been featured at the Leica Ernst Leitz Museum in Germany, Sharjah Art Foundation in the UAE, Tate Modern in the UK, and the PhotoESPAÑA Festival in Spain. Notably, he has exhibited at Addis Foto Fest (Ethiopia), Format Festival (UK), and the National Museum of Photography (Morocco). These exhibitions have allowed him to share his perspective on Africa’s evolving cultural landscapes, identity, and environmental challenges.
Kilito’s body of work extends beyond gallery spaces. He has been recognised by organisations like the National Geographic Society and received The Climate Pledge Award in partnership with the National Geographic Society in 2024. This recognition speaks to his role as a storyteller committed to capturing humanity’s relationship with the environment and the urgent need for sustainability. Through his exhibitions and projects, he brings stories of resilience, tradition, and change to life, making him a vital voice in contemporary African photography.
Solo Exhibitions:
– Kafila, Biel/Bienne Festival of Photography, Switzerland (2024)
– Before it’s gone, Gowen Contemporary Gallery, Geneva, Switzerland (2023)
– Before it’s gone, Encontros da Imagem, Braga, Portugal (2023)
– Before it’s gone, World Press Photo Street Solo, Vieux-Montréal, Canada (2023)
Group Exhibitions:
– La Panafricaine, Rencontres de Bamako 14, Mali (2024)
– Orbis Tertius, Galerie Joseph, Paris, France (2024)
– Paisajes efimeros del sol, PhotoESPAÑA Festival, Casa Arabe, Madrid, Spain (2024)
– Destiny, Rhythms of Resilience, Abuja Photo Festival, Nigeria (2024)
– Talents Contemporains 11e édition – Illusions, François Schneider Foundation, France (2023)
– Before it’s gone, National Museum, Sarajevo, Bosnia, and Herzegovina (2023)
